The wicainventory.exe file is usually safe and does not harm computers. However, some people may find it over-utilizing their CPUs and slowing down their machines.
Most people worry when they see the .exe file extension.
Many .exe files have the potential to harm your computer, but that doesnโt mean all of them do. In order to identify whether the executable file on your computer is malware, you need to know all about it.
Here, we’ll discuss the wicainventory.exe file and all the errors associated with it.
What Is wicainventory.exe File?
The .exe extension stands for executable files. They mostly belong to the windows operating system. In this case, they arenโt that concerning. As for wicainventory.exe, itโs short for Windows Install Compatibility Advisor Inventory Tool. Itโs a file that belongs to Microsoft Windows Operating System.
You shouldnโt get alarmed when you see it on your computer; itโs a vital part of your Windows update, and it rarely poses a threat. However, it causes the CPU to work double as hard. Thatโs the main reason why a lot of people hate it.
Thatโs aside from the fact that it may attack your PC if your Windows isnโt original. Pirated versions of Windows are likely to corrupt your system files later on. Not to mention that they open backdoors to your system.
What Are the Errors Associated With wicainventory.exe?
All errors associated with wicainventory.exe are runtime errors. Meaning, theyโre triggered when the Windows is running because this is when wicainventory.exe starts loading.
In most cases, the error occurs when the Windows is starting, which aborts the process from the very beginning.
Sometimes the error may occur when the Windows is already running. This will cause it to terminate and stop working. Until you fix the errors, the Windows wonโt turn on.
These errors can occur for a number of reasons. For starters, it could be a conflict with third-party plug-ins. Alternatively, it can happen due to poor Windows programming or using outdated hardware. Not to mention that the file itself could be corrupted, which is the most common reason.
In all cases, the Windows will fail at locating the file while starting up. You wonโt be able to work your PC, and youโll receive a message before it shuts down.
Typically, you can avoid all of these issues by keeping your antivirus up-to-date. You should also scan your PC regularly to detect any lurking threats before they can take hold. However, if you donโt have an antivirus, there are alternative solutions.
How to Fix Errors Associated With wicainventory.exe
If you donโt have an antivirus, you should get one as soon as possible, but thatโs not what weโre here to talk about. If you already have a runtime error bothering you, weโll help you fix it. Take a look at the steps below.
Step 1: Restore Your Computer
The first thing you should do is restore your computer to the latest point before the error occurred. This step is relatively easy: youโll merely be required to open the start button of the Windows. Afterward, type โSystem Restoreโ in the search bar and press Enter.
When the results appear, click on โSystem Restoreโ. Itโll require you to enter your administrator password if you have one. This step will appear in all newer versions of Windows, such as Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.
In the System Restore Wizard, Windows will walk you through a bunch of steps. Follow these steps and pick the backup point you want. The computer will then restore to that system image. If nothing happens, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Run System File Checker
This step aims at restoring the wicainventory.exe file, whether itโs missing or corrupt. The System File Checker is a program thatโs included in every Windows version currently in use. Itโll scan your computer and restore the missing system files.
The first thing youโll do is open the Start button. Then, type โcmdโ in the search box. But this time, you wonโt press Enter alone; Youโll hold Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
A dialog box will appear. When it does, click Yes. A black screen with nothing but a blinking cursor will then become visible. Click on it to activate the keyboard and type โsfc/scannowโ. Afterward, press Enter to get it working. The checker will then get in action and scan your computer. This phase requires some patience; the scanning procedure will likely take a lot of time.
Once the System File Checker determines the wicainventory.exe errors, itโll give you some commands thatโll help you proceed with the process. The error should be solved by then. If itโs not, proceed to the last step.
Step 3: Update Your Windows
Updating your Windows version is your last resort to fix the wicainventory.exe errors. Otherwise, youโll have to opt for advanced solutions, which isnโt applicable to all users. Furthermore, this step will solve any errors associated with outdated Windows Systems, which might be causing a series of other problems.
Firstly, click on the Windows Start button. Type โUpdateโ in the search bar and click Enter. The Windows Update dialog box will appear; click on โCheck for Updatesโ. This button may differ according to the Windows version installed on your computer, but itโll hold the same meaning.
If you find updates available, itโll likely be the reason for the runtime errors. Click on โInstall Updatesโ and leave your computer to update on its own. After itโs done with the update, restart It and hope for the best!
How to Prevent wicainventory.exe Errors
Although wicainventory.exe issues are pretty common, that doesnโt mean you canโt avoid them. There are a couple of things to do if you donโt want to encounter such issues.
Clean Your Computer
If you want to keep your computer safe, you should treat it as if itโs your room. Tidiness is the key to avoiding wicainventory.exe issues. Doing this is also fairly easy. Youโll just have to run periodic scans on your computer. Additionally, you should use Disk Cleanup to clean your hard drive. This includes uninstalling the programs that are of no use.
On top of that, you should check your computer for Autostart programs; they could be the reason for your issues. You should also enable the Windowsโ automatic update. Itโll save you the hassle of having to install the update yourself. Not to mention that itโll prevent the errors associated with outdated versions.
Remember the Last Thing You Did
To prevent your Windows from shutting down while youโre working, you should remember the last thing you did beforehand. You should recall if you installed a program from a random source, or if you turned your antivirus off. In both cases, youโll be able to take action, such as deleting your recently installed program or activating an anti-malware software.
Get Software Assistance
No matter how far you go trying to find the root cause, your efforts may not pay off. Some things are better left to software to deal with. There are some Windows programs thatโll help you with your wicainventory.exe issues.
For example, Security Task Manager will show you all the current tasks running on your Windows. This includes hidden programs, such as Autostart ones. So, youโll be able to easily identify a trojan if thereโs one hiding in the background.
On the other hand, a program like Malwarebytes will search for sleeping adware and keyloggers. Then, itโll automatically remove the ones that are harming your Windows. It can also detect any hidden tracker on your hard drive. If you use it regularly, youโll reduce the chance of a runtime error appearing.
To Wrap Up
No one likes to come across the message that says โthis program is not respondingโ. Worst of all, Windows will likely shut down afterward, and any work you have running will get lost. Thatโs why you should deal with wicainventory.exe with caution.
Itโs not harmful on its own, but it could eventually become a malware if it gets corrupted. Additionally, you should take extra care if you installed your Windows from an inauthentic source.
